A wonderful website that I've come across is "Social Explorer" (www.socialexplorer.com) they've got a ton of map-based data that you can look through. You do need a subscription (though limited usage is free) and you can look at crime statistics, home prices, education, etc. When you look at this data on a map, it's easier to pick up on trends that can show you that "oh, hey, this neighborhood is cheap, but actually very safe despite being on the so-called wrong side of the tracks".
However, I would assume that the numbers themselves; the house price, the renovation cost, etc are more important because they're totally inescapable.
Good luck with the flip, hopes it works out great! I love Western Michigan, my cousin used to live in Grand Rapids!